Joy In Chains
A study of the letter to the Philippians
Joy in all Circumstances
November 21, 2021 • Pastor Bill West • Philippians 4:10–23
The world tells us that to be happy; you have to wear the best clothes, drive the fanciest cars and live in the biggest house possible. These things of themselves are not bad, but they don’t bring joy to your life. Paul tells us he’s been on both sides, rich and poor, in chains and free, admired and hated, but only what he did for Christ brought him true joy. Paul also tells us that God is here to meet our needs, not our wants, though he often blesses us with those too. In the end, only one thing is needed (reference Jesus with Mary and Martha) for true joy, a life devoted to serving Him. Joy in all Circumstances Live on Sun, Nov 21, 8:55am PST
Joy in Anxiety
November 14, 2021 • Pastor Bill West • Philippians 4:1–9
We live in an anxious world. We focus on the what if’s instead of what is. The anxiety leads to fear, and that can shut us down from progressing. Prayer keeps us connected with God and is critical in dealing with anxiety. Remembering we have a God that has EVERYTHING in control when we think everything is spiraling out of control. Paul tells us that whatever our situation is, we should give thanks to God. He doesn’t say to take on the problem head-on or to deal with the fears ourselves. We are to take it to God, and he provides the peace we need to move forward. Paul gives us a list of things we should be focusing on that will keep anxiety from creeping in. Joy in Anxiety Live on Sun, Nov 14, 8:55am PST
Joy in a Troubled Past
November 7, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burdoin • Philippians 3:12–21
Our past likes to try to be part of the present. We tend to want to slip back into our former selves. We will show that true joy is ONLY found in a life entirely dedicated to Jesus. We think our past disqualifies us, but that is a lie from Satan. Satan knows that our testimony of how God saved us from death is powerful, so he tells us we are disqualified and reminds us of our past continually in the hopes we won’t progress. We feel as if we are not forgiven. God forgives and can use our past failures powerfully. You can’t change your past, but Jesus can change your future. Some believe that their past was too terrible and excludes them from doing God’s work now. Joy in a Troubled Past Live on Sun, Nov 07, 8:55am PST
Joy in Letting Go
October 31, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burdoin • Philippians 3:1–11
We’ve all faced a situation where we were forced to let go of something. Maybe it wasn’t easy, but it might have been necessary. As you look back on that situation, did you make the right decision? Letting go of something can be difficult but it can also lead to an opportunity to take hold of something better. As Paul is sitting in his jail cell, awaiting trial for preaching in the name of Jesus, he reflects on the things that he had let go of in order to follow Christ. He becomes convinced it was worth it to “let go.” Joy in Letting Go Live on Sun, Oct 31, 8:55am PDT
Joy In Obedience
October 24, 2021 • Pastor Bill West • Philippians 2:19–30
No one likes to be told what to do. “Be obedient” can be a trigger phrase, especially in western culture. Paul implores the reader to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, not a “works-based“ system but working under God’s authority to do His will. We can often “do“ what God wants us to do but with the wrong heart, huffing and puffing about it as more of a task to get finished rather than a joyous gift God wants to work together on with you. We have to choose to be obedient or backslide; there is no neutral ground. Paul provides the key to this obedience in verse 16 to “hold firmly to God’s word Joy In Obedience Live on Sun, Oct 24, 8:55am PDT
Joy in Being Humbled
October 17, 2021 • Pastor Bill West • Philippians 2:1–18
Survival of the fittest seems to be the prevailing theme among non-believers. Work your way to the top, by whatever means it takes to get there. Paul tells us in verse 21 that everyone looks out for their own interest. True Christianity turns the other cheek to that argument. The King of all Kings came to serve and set a model firsthand for his followers. Verse 7 tells us He made himself nothing/no reputation and was exalted by God for it. It’s an “others first” model, even at the expense of yourself. Paul further explains to do this without grumbling/complaining so we can be shining stars. Paul’s statement is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 20:27 that he who seeks to be first must be your slave. Contrary to worldly belief, to have true joy, we have to be humbled. Joy in Being Humbled Live on Sun, Oct 17, 8:55am PDT
Joy in Death
October 10, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burdoin • Philippians 1:19–30
Death is painful for everyone involved. It’s not easy to talk with someone who is grieving for a loved one. They may feel abandoned by God. Death comes to all of us. The odds are staggering; one out of every one will die. As Christians, we are to be joyful in the fact that death is not the end. No matter how many times we mess up, Jesus will always be there in the end. Eternity with Him is how it ends for all believers. While we are still on the earth, apart from Him, we are called to put our worldly flesh to death with the understanding that the best is yet to come. As bad as this life gets through pain, suffering, and death, when we cling to Jesus and keep going for Him, it leads to true joy in our life. Joy in Death Live on Sun, Oct 10, 8:55am PDT
Joy in Relationships
October 3, 2021 • Pastor Bill West • 2 Corinthians 11:24–29, Philippians 1:1–18
The number one question of non-believers is, how would a God of Love allow suffering? Everyone suffers. It’s hard to figure out what God is trying to do in our lives when we suffer. But God will use the suffering of the believer to glorify Himself. When Paul was in jail in Philippi, he rejoiced after being stripped, flogged, and fastened in stocks. We might see this as a closed door and shut down or move on. But that wasn’t God’s plan. After an earthquake and a suicidal guard, the gospel message continued. “Joy is not something we can strive for but a byproduct of seeking God’s will”. - Skip Heitzig When we begin to understand that God is in control and start to seek His will in our suffering, we begin to take the emphasis off our suffering and transfer it to God. Our King suffered, and He tells us that we will also for believing in Him. God was glorified in Jesus’ suffering. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we can learn that accepting suffering is a part of God’s plan and rejoice in it. Joy in Relationships Live on Sun, Oct 03, 8:55am PDT